Designer

Sigurd Resell

1920 - 2010

Sigurd Resell was a pioneer in Norwegian furniture design, known for his ability to create timeless expressions that broke with tradition. With a distinctive sense of elegance and function, he helped shape the post-war Norwegian design landscape.

The Early Years

Sigurd Resell (1920–2010) was born and raised in Meldal, Trøndelag, where he discovered an early interest in construction and craftsmanship.

Instead of continuing with violin lessons, as originally planned, he was drawn to woodworking and craftsmanship;- an interest that would go on to shape his career path. After a brief apprenticeship with a local carpenter during his youth, he was soon encouraged to apply to the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry (SHKS) in Oslo. In 1943, he began studying furniture design in the Department of Woodcraft.

Resell was still a student when Rastad & Relling, a leading Norwegian design studio at the time, recognized his talent and hired him even before he had completed his diploma in 1947. At Rastad & Relling, he designed both furniture and interiors for prestigious projects in Norway, including the Parliament building and NRK’s headquarters. Through his work there, Resell established himself as a designer who combined functionality with form and style, helping to elevate Norwegian furniture design to an international level. Among his most distinctive post-war creations were the commercially successful Blinken armchair (1956) and the Bambi chair series (1955).

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Sigurd Resell. Modell: Falcon. Produsert av Vatne Lenestolfabrikk. I produksjon fra 1971.

Sigurd Resell og Cato Mansrud. Modell: Irafas. Produsert av A. Grasaasens Fabrikker. Tegnet i 1965.

Sigurd Resell og Adolf Relling ved Rastad & Relling Tegnekontor. Modell: 56/1 – Bambi-serien. Produsert av Gustav Bahus Eftf. Tegnet i 1955.

Sigurd Resell. Modell: 126. Produsert av Vatne Lenestolfabrikk.

Sigurd Resell. Modell: Sirkel. Produsert av Gustav Bahus Eftf, senere Møre Lenestolfabrikk. I produksjon fra 1961.

Furniture in Steel

In the 1960s, Sigurd Resell designed a number of furniture pieces in steel. His interest in steel was a key part of his design philosophy. Resell viewed steel not only as a material of strength and durability, but also as one with aesthetic qualities that could be adapted to various design expressions.

He was particularly fascinated by how steel could be shaped and combined with other materials to create a balanced harmony between the industrial and the organic. This approach resulted in furniture that was both functional and artistic, often featuring elegant lines and a modern style.

The Sirkel armchair is an exclusive piece with a curved leather backrest and steel legs with rosewood caps. It was first produced by Gustav Bahus Eftf. before production was taken over by Møre Lenestolfabrikk.

Vatne Lenestolfabrikk

In 1968, Vatne Lenestolfabrikk, a prominent Norwegian furniture brand and manufacturer;- lost its designer Fredrik Kayser, who passed away unexpectedly. Resell stepped into the role and began a collaboration that would result in several iconic pieces. Among them was the Falcon Chair, launched in 1971, which quickly gained popularity both in Norway and internationally. With its distinctive leather and suspended metal frame, the Falcon Chair became a timeless example of Scandinavian aesthetics and achieved immediate success in markets such as the United States, Japan, Germany, and Australia.

Sigurd Resell. Modell: Tube. Produsert av Vatne Lenestolfabrikk. I produksjon fra 1971.

Sigurd Resell ved Rastad & Relling Tegnekontor. Benk. Tegning til Stortingets utvidelse. Datert 1956.

Sigurd Resell og Cato Mansrud. Modell: Irafas. Produsert av A. Grasaasens Fabrikker. Tegnet i 1965.

Sigurd Resell. Modell: Falcon. Produsert av Vatne Lenestolfabrikk. I produksjon fra 1971.

Timeless Design and a Legacy for the Future

Resell’s ability to merge tradition with modernity is especially evident in our own Tube Chair design, which balances comfort with a minimalist aesthetic. He continued working with Vatne throughout the 1970s and 1980s, producing a range of furniture that exemplifies his philosophy of timeless design. Resell’s work stands as a cornerstone of Scandinavian furniture history. In 1990, he was honored with the exhibition “30 Years of Sigurd Resell” at Vognremissen Gallery in Oslo, an acknowledgment of his contributions to both Norwegian and international design culture.

Sigurd Resell’s life and career demonstrate how a passion for craftsmanship can give rise to design classics. Through his deep respect for quality and materials, he left behind a legacy that continues to be admired and used around the world.

- Prize in København Snedkerlaugs møbelkonkurranse, 1959
- Prize in competition organized by Nässjö stolfabrik, 1961
- Two 2nd prizes in Bransjerådets bordkonkurranse, 1962
- 2nd prize in Bransjerådets stolkonkurranse, 1965 (together with Cato Mansrud)
- 2nd prize in Bransjerådets møbelkonkurranse, 1970–71
- 3rd prize in Bransjerådets møbelkonkurranse, 1972–73
- Gold Medal at the 2nd Biennale for Industrial Design, Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, 1966
- Merket for god design, 1966
- 2nd prize in competition held in connection with IFI – International Federation of Interior Architects, 1989

Nordisk utstilling av moderne kunst og design, Oslo, 1958 – A key platform showcasing the latest trends in Scandinavian design, where Resell participated with his work.
Møbler gjennom 50 år, Kunstindustrimuseet, Oslo, 1959 – Resell’s designs were featured alongside other significant contributions to Norwegian furniture design. The exhibition also toured to Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum and Nordenfjeldske Kunstindustrimuseum in Trondheim.
Statens kunstutstilling, Høstutstillingen – Resell participated regularly, especially during the 1950s and in 1964, gaining increasing recognition for his work.
Møbelmessen i Milano (Salone del Mobile) – First participation in 1961. Resell’s presence helped bring Norwegian design to the international stage, with several appearances throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Norsk/Norwegian Industrial Design, Kunstindustrimuseet, 1963 – Resell’s work illustrated the creative and functional approach of Norwegian design.
2. biennale for industridesign, Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, 1966 – A prestigious international platform where Resell represented Norwegian design.
Norsk brukskunst, Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum, 1966 – Resell’s designs were included among a broad range of Norwegian applied arts.
Norske møbler i fortid og nåtid, Vestlandske Kunstindustrimuseum, 1967 – A touring exhibition highlighting Resell’s contributions to both historical and contemporary Norwegian furniture design.
Håndverksmessen i München, 1967 – An important international craft and design fair that brought attention to Norwegian design.
Design in Scandinavia, touring exhibition in Australia, 1968–1969 – Resell’s work was featured in this showcase of Scandinavian innovation and functionality.
Nordisk industridesign, Röhsska Konstslöjdmuseum, Gothenburg, 1971 – A gathering of leading Nordic designers, strengthening regional design ties.
Møbelskjønn, Sjølyst, Oslo, 1978 & 1979 – Resell’s work was presented in this exhibition celebrating the best of Norwegian furniture design.
Stoler gjennom 30 år, Galleri Vognremissen, Oslo, 1990 – Marking his 70th birthday, Resell exhibited twelve models, mainly classics from Rastad & Relling and Vatne.
Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design, Oslo – Resell’s work, including the Tube chair by Matre, is part of the museum’s permanent collection and has been featured in several exhibitions, including a notable retrospective in 2001.

Sæter, Amund (2015). Møbeleventyret Vatne, Self-published

Linder, Mats (2016). Rastad & Relling, Form Publishing house

Linder, Mats (2011). Norske Designmøbler 1940–1975, Samler & Antikkbørsen

Linder, Mats (2022). Sigurd Resell Møbeldesign, Norsk Design og kunsthåndverk x Papiret Publishing house